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The Challenge
Jamaica requires 35×45mm passport photos (NOT 2×2 inch US format) with strict face height 25-35mm, matte paper, and certification by an authorized official. Background colour depends on applicant's complexion. Professional services charge J$3,000-5,000. Wrong dimensions or uncertified photos = automatic rejection.
Jamaica uses 35×45mm — NOT 2×2 inch US format
- Many websites incorrectly list Jamaica as 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — this is WRONG
- Official PICA requirement: 35mm wide × 45mm tall
- Using US 2×2 inch format will result in rejection
- Confirm at pica.gov.jm — the official Jamaican passport authority
Jamaica passport photo requirements (PICA official)
The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) requires 35×45mm colour photos on matte paper. Face height must be 25-35mm from chin to top of forehead (excluding hair), with 3-4mm margin between top of head and photo edge. Jamaica has a unique requirement: background colour depends on the applicant's complexion. Dark complexion applicants use white background with coloured clothing. Light complexion applicants use pastel background and avoid white clothing. Applicants with grey or white hair use pale blue or pastel background. Photos must be professionally produced — photo booth images are not accepted.
Jamaica passport photo checklist — will PICA accept your photo?
- 35×45mm dimensions (NOT 2×2 inches)
- Face height 25-35mm from chin to top of forehead (hair excluded)
- 3-4mm margin between top of head (including hair) and top of photo
- Correct background for your complexion (white, pastel, or pale blue)
- Taken within last 6 months
- Full colour, matte/dull finish paper
- Full frontal pose showing head, ears, neck, and top of shoulders
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No bright coloured clothing
- No exposed shoulders or chest
- Glasses allowed if clear lenses, no heavy frames, no tinted lenses
- Headgear only for religious purposes (Section H of form required)
- No creases or ink marks on photo
- No other person or object in photo
- No background shadows
- No embossed seal on photo
- One photo certified by authorized official (JP, Notary, Doctor, or Lawyer)
Unique requirement: photo certification
- One of your two photos must be certified on the back by an authorized official
- Authorized certifiers: Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, Medical Doctor, or Lawyer
- Certification must include: applicant's name, certifier's name, number, and signature
- Certification must not be older than 6 months and photos must be dated
- Exception: adult passport renewals with no name change may not require certification
Background colour by complexion — Jamaica's unique requirement
Common rejection reasons by PICA
- Using US 2×2 inch format instead of required 35×45mm
- Face height outside 25-35mm range
- Less than 3mm margin between head and photo edge
- Wrong background colour for complexion
- Printed on glossy paper instead of required matte finish
- Photo taken in booth (not accepted by PICA)
- Missing certification on back of photo
- Exposed shoulders or chest visible
- Shadows on face or background
- Tinted glasses or heavy frames
- Photo older than 6 months
- Creases or ink marks on photo
- Embossed seal affixed to photo
How to print Jamaica passport photos at home
- Paper: Matte photo paper mandatory — PICA explicitly requires matte/dull finish. Glossy paper will be rejected.
- Printer settings: Highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm before submission.
- Face height check: Measure 25-35mm from chin to top of forehead (not including hair).
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '35×45mm on matte paper' — not '2×2 inch'.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white or pastel blanket on floor (match background to complexion rules).
- Ensure only the child is visible — no hands, toys, dummies, or objects in frame.
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting — no direct flash.
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred.
- Children under 1: eyes do not need to be open.
- Children under 3: must appear at Immigration Office in person.
- All children: head, neck, and top of shoulders must be visible.
- Supporting hand must not be visible in photo — position behind or under head.
- Take 10-20 shots to get one compliant photo — normal for babies.
Online passport renewal — digital photo upload
PICA offers online passport renewal for adults at passport.pica-online.com. Digital photo upload requires JPEG format saved to computer. PICA recommends using a professional photographer who saves the image to USB or sends via email. PICA provides an online photo checker to validate your image before submission. Note: online renewal is only available for adult passports issued after September 2001. First-time applicants, minors, name changes, and lost/stolen replacements must apply in person.
Jamaica vs US passport photo — key differences
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services
- Professional photo studio in Kingston: J$2,500-5,000 (US$15-30) for 2 photos
- Photo studio in Montego Bay/rural areas: J$2,000-3,500
- Overseas (US/UK/Canada): US$15-25 at photo services (must specify 35×45mm, not 2×2 inch)
- This tool: Free — print at home for under US$1 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
- Savings: US$14-29 per application
- Note: You still need an authorized official to certify one photo on the back
Applying from overseas — important notes
Jamaican citizens abroad apply through the nearest Jamaican embassy, consulate, or high commission. Photo requirements are identical (35×45mm, matte paper, certified). Many overseas photo services default to US 2×2 inch or UK 35×45mm specifications — Jamaican specs match UK dimensions but require matte paper and different background rules. When using photo services abroad, specify '35×45mm on matte paper' and choose the correct background for your complexion. Embassy staff can certify photos on-site if applicant appears in person.
Official Jamaican Government Resources
- PICA — Passport Photo Requirements Official photo specifications from Jamaica's Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency
- PICA — Photo Poster (PDF) Visual guide showing correct photo dimensions and positioning
- PICA — Online Passport Renewal Online renewal portal for adult Jamaican passport holders
- PICA — How to Apply Complete application requirements and document checklist
- Embassy of Jamaica (Washington DC) — Renewal Guidelines Passport renewal guidelines for Jamaicans in the United States
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm (width × height)
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Face Height
- 25-35 mm (chin to forehead, excluding hair)
- Head Margin
- 3-4 mm from top of head to edge of photo
- Background
- Varies by complexion (see requirements)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte/dull finish (mandatory)
- Quantity
- 2 identical photos required
- Valid For
- Passport, visa, CARICOM passport
Best Practices
- Jamaica uses 35×45mm — NOT 2×2 inch US format. Many websites get this wrong.
- Background depends on your complexion: white for dark skin, pastel for light skin, pale blue for grey/white hair
- Matte paper is mandatory — glossy paper will be rejected by PICA
- One photo must be certified on the back by a JP, Notary, Doctor, or Lawyer
- Photo booths are not accepted — use this tool or a professional photographer
- Face height 25-35mm is measured chin to forehead, NOT including hair
- Keep 3-4mm margin between top of head (including hair) and photo edge
- Avoid bright clothing and exposed shoulders/chest
- For online renewal, save JPEG to computer and use PICA's photo checker before uploading
- Photos are valid for 6 months — plan certification and application timing accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Jamaica passport photo?
35mm wide × 45mm tall. This is NOT 2×2 inches (51×51mm). Many websites incorrectly list Jamaica as using US 2×2 inch format — this is wrong. The official PICA requirement is 35×45mm.
What background colour for Jamaica passport photos?
It depends on your complexion. Dark complexion: white background. Light complexion: pastel background (beige, pale pink) — avoid white clothing. Grey or white hair: pale blue or pastel background. This is a unique Jamaican requirement.
Do Jamaica passport photos need to be certified?
Yes. One of two identical photos must be certified on the back by a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, Medical Doctor, or Lawyer. Include applicant's name, certifier's name, number, and signature. Exception: adult renewals with no name change may not require certification.
Can I use US 2×2 inch photos for Jamaica passport?
No. Jamaica requires 35×45mm (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches). US 2×2 inch photos are 51×51mm — completely different dimensions. Using US format will result in rejection.
What paper type for Jamaica passport photos?
Matte/dull finish paper is mandatory. PICA explicitly requires matte finish. Glossy paper will be rejected. Specify matte when printing at home or at photo services.
Can I take Jamaica passport photos at home?
Yes, but PICA states photos should be 'professionally produced' and explicitly rejects photo booth images. DIY photos are accepted if they meet all specifications. Use proper lighting, correct background for your complexion, and print on matte paper.
What is the face height requirement?
Face must measure 25-35mm from bottom of chin to top of forehead. This measurement excludes hair. There must also be 3-4mm margin between the top of the head (including hair) and the top edge of the photo.
Can I wear glasses in Jamaica passport photos?
Yes, with restrictions. Clear lenses only — no tinted lenses. No heavy or thick frames. Eyes must be fully visible with no glare or reflection on lenses.
How recent must Jamaica passport photos be?
Taken within 6 months of submission. The certification on the back must also not be older than 6 months. Photos must be dated.
Can I renew my Jamaica passport online?
Adults with passports issued after September 2001 can renew online at passport.pica-online.com. Digital JPEG photo upload is required. First-time applicants, minors, name changes, and replacements must apply in person at a PICA office or Jamaican mission.
Where can I print Jamaica passport photos overseas?
Print at any photo service — specify '35×45mm on matte paper'. Do NOT request '2×2 inch' or 'US passport photo'. UK photo services use the same 35×45mm dimensions but you must request matte paper and use correct background for your complexion.
Is headgear allowed in Jamaica passport photos?
Only for religious purposes. If wearing religious headgear, Section H of the passport application form must be completed. Face must remain fully visible from chin to forehead.